Immigration Bill Gathers Momentum

Some Fence-Sitting Senators Come on Board After Border-Security Pact, Projection of Deficit Reduction

By

Sara Murray and

Kristina Peterson

Updated June 20, 2013 10:01 p.m. ET

The Senate edged Thursday toward embracing a plan to put thousands more federal agents on the border with Mexico, in a bid to sway more Republicans to back a comprehensive immigration bill.

The deal appeared to give the Senate immigration bill its second major shot of momentum this week, following the news that the legislation was expected to significantly reduce the federal budget deficit. It quickly prompted several previously...